The New Orleans Pelicans are at a crossroads in the 2025-26 season, focused on future development rather than immediate wins. With rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen emerging as central figures, the franchise must evaluate their roster to build around these two promising talents.
Evaluating the Future: Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen
Fears and Queen represent the Pelicans’ potential future. Their offensive abilities are encouraging, but they both face challenges on the defensive side. The team’s defensive rating drops to a concerning 126.3 when these two play together, marking them as one of the least effective defensive pairings in the league.
Defensive Concerns and Statistics
The Pelicans’ defense has been a significant issue, particularly in recent weeks. Here are some key statistics highlighting their struggles:
- Defensive Rating: 126.3 (worst in the league)
- Shooting Allowed at the Rim: 71.5% (very high efficiency for opponents)
- Opponent Rim Attempts: 37.8% of total shots (second-worst in the league)
- Offensive Rebounding Rate Allowed: 31.6% (above the league average of 29.2%)
These figures indicate a defense that struggles in various areas. The lack of size limits their ability to defend the paint, while Fears’ perimeter defense and Queen’s undersized center position also contribute to these problems. The Pelicans need to address these issues urgently to improve their overall performance.
Building Around Fears and Queen
To optimize their roster, the Pelicans must consider the following strategies:
- Increase Size and Physicality: Addressing the team’s physical presence is crucial.
- Find a Rim-Protection Center: Seeking a center who can defend effectively and shoot is a priority.
- Monitor Queen’s Development: As he grows offensively, positioning him alongside a capable big can enhance his effectiveness.
Fears is projected to be the future point guard for the franchise. However, Queen’s positional fit remains uncertain. He lacks the defensive skills necessary for the center role and struggles offensively as a power forward. Until he becomes a better floor-spacer, securing a versatile rim-protecting center should be a top priority.
Conclusion
While it is premature to label Fears and Queen as defensive liabilities, there is ample room for improvement. By bolstering their roster with size and defensive talent, the Pelicans can create a more supportive environment for these young players. The focus now should be on developing their skills while addressing the pressing defensive needs of the team.
